Do you dream of one day leading South Africa’s tennis team on the world stage? Billie Jean King Cup captain Roxanne Clarke knows exactly what it’s like to have big dreams. Today, she’s living proof that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
Clarke, who grew up in Elsies River, Cape Town, started playing tennis because of her parents’ love for the sport.
“I started playing tennis because of my parents. They were both involved in tennis. My mom played and was a coach educator, and my dad was an administrator. He was the general secretary of SACOS. Somehow tennis was destined for me.”
Billie Jean King Cup captain for Tennis South Africa, Roxanne Clarke
With the guidance of her first coach, Basil Carolissen, Clarke played junior tournaments and earned a scholarship to train at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Centre in Pretoria, and these early steps prepared her for a journey that would eventually see her leading the SA national women’s team to the world stage.
Appointed Billie Jean King Cup captain in 2021, Clarke has achieved remarkable success, including leading the team to the Europe-Africa Zone Group II division. Recently, Tennis South Africa reaffirmed their trust in her, announcing her reappointment for another four-year cycle.
“I’m honoured that TSA has put its faith in me to lead our women’s national team once again,” she says.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve built in the last four years, and I’m confident that we can build on that success. We have a great crop of young players, and it’s a really exciting time, so I’m looking forward to working with TSA to continue leading this team.”
For Clarke, success is about more than just winning matches—it’s about inspiring her players to grow and dream bigger. “In the past four years, I’ve taken pride in the positive environment we’ve created in the team. I want each player who is a part of the team to feel like they learned and they improved.
“It’s been a great platform for our young players and even for those who may have been struggling with their tennis. They’ve left the events with more confidence and self-belief.”
This confidence has helped players compete against some of the world’s best. “In 2022, Bella Kruger got to play against Anett Kontaveit from Estonia, a former world number two,” Clarke shares.
Moments like these have raised the profiles of South Africa’s players and inspired young girls to dream of one day wearing the national colours. “They look up to our national team players—they’re the role models of our future players.”
Clarke has big dreams for her team’s future. “My biggest goal is to build a team with depth so that we can stay in Europe/Africa Group II and then towards 2027/28 gain promotion to Group I. It will be a tough task, but we have to believe we are capable of pulling off something amazing,” she says.
“Ultimately, the BJK Cup is a tournament of nations. It’s the most elite tournament of its kind in tennis. Making the finals is something that all nations aspire to.”
“While we are a long way off from the top 12 in the world,” Clarke emphasises, “We can dream and work towards that dream. It’s a very tangible step for players trying to make it as professional players.”
For Clarke, her role is about more than just leading a team—it’s about inspiring the next generation to believe in their potential. Her advice to young girls like you? “You are capable of achieving anything if you work hard and believe in yourself.”
One day, it could be you leading South Africa’s national team and inspiring others to dream big, just like Roxanne Clarke.
Main Photo Caption: Do you dream of one day leading South Africa’s tennis team on the world stage? Billie Jean King Cup captain Roxanne Clarke knows exactly what it’s like to have big dreams. Today, she’s living proof that with determination and passion, anything is possible. Photo: Supplied
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